EAST LANSING, Mich. — During the Big Ten media days, former head coach Mel Tucker expressed his confidence in the talent at Michigan State. However, after just two games, Tucker was removed from his position due to an internal scandal. Even before his departure, it was clear that the Spartans were facing significant challenges this season.
With a record of 2-5, interim head coach Harlon Barnett has been unable to find answers for the struggling Spartans. Following a 41-7 loss to Washington, Michigan dealt them an even more severe blow, winning 49-0 in Spartan Stadium.
In his postgame press conference, Barnett didn’t dwell on Michigan football, but he did share his thoughts on the Wolverines.
We played against a top 10 team tonight, and they were clearly superior to us. We got our butts kicked, and we need to learn from it. The 24-hour rule still applies, and now we need to focus on our upcoming game against Minnesota.
On Katin Houser and the Michigan sign-stealing allegations
I wouldn’t call it complicated, but as you saw earlier in the game, our quarterback was going to the sideline. This is something our team has done before when facing opponents who try to steal signs during the game. Some teams in our league are adept at this practice, which is legal. Instead of receiving signals from the sideline, our quarterback would run to the sideline, get the call, and then relay it to the rest of the team in the huddle. It was a slight adjustment, but it’s not an excuse. I don’t like making excuses. We simply need to play better and not beat ourselves.
On losing 49-0
Whether we lose by one point or 49 points, it’s still a loss.
On Michigan’s defense
As I mentioned earlier this week, Michigan’s defense is sound and disciplined. They know their assignments and play within their coach’s system. When a defense is well-coached and executes their responsibilities, they have the potential to be very effective. That’s precisely what Michigan demonstrated tonight.
How did he find out about the sign-stealing allegations?
On Wednesday night, our athletic director, Haller, and the Big Ten contacted me regarding the allegations. It was explained to us what had happened, and we discussed potential consequences. Personally, I didn’t expect much to come from it. Someone did suggest the possibility of not playing the game, but I felt that we should go ahead and play. You never
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